What an endearing story. I appreciate the tenacity and determination of the female moth. Thanks for directing our attention to the mystery and beauty that surrounds us.
Thanks, Bill. Yeah, it's pretty amazing how readily the females will lay eggs in "captivity." And the actual egg-laying isn't something we see in birds (except chickens). :-)
Of all the creatures to happen upon this lovely, injured, yet-still-trying moth, it was you — perhaps the only one in the world who would notice, know, and care enough to help her fulfill her biological instinct. Thank you for telling this beautiful story.
At the end of your epilog you mention "destination" and "refuge", which reminded me of something I read yesterday: "Perhaps there are no inherently special places, only places made special by the relationships people sustain with them - wilderness or city, mountain or prairie, desert or swamp, forest or farmland. In this sense, all places on earth and identical, waiting only to be known, as Koyukon people know their boreal forest homeland." (The Island Within, Richard Nelson, 1989)
Thank you for sharing your knowing , for your and Odin's keen observation - and, of course, for the spicy moth sex!
One thing I truly love about your newsletter is how frequently it awakens my urge to go outside and give this beautiful world with its miraculous varieties of life my full attention. And never stop.
We usually think of a child in deep fascination when introduced to something new. How simple. It doesn’t matter how old or how young. We can still be full of wonder. We just need to remember to look.
I spend time each year in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, exploring the forest, rock, and rivers at Lake Superior’s edge.
I often find, however, the calm I take from that place is from time spent pondering moss growing on ancient rock or lichen on a sapling in a misty wetland. .
Thank you for your exquisite writing and insight drawn from a “cubic foot” of forest.
A sacred place of mine as well, mostly around Wawa, Ontario, and Lake Superior Provincial Park -- some of the most breathtaking turf anywhere! (But you already know that!)
That’s a beautiful story of observation, curiosity, and humanity. I like waiting and watching in one place too, which is now aided by my needing knee replacements which is slowing me down a lot!
Another great piece Bryan! You are quite the sleuth! I went to iNaturalist to look at the moths...HOLY _____ (fill in the blank.) I have never seen so much color in so many combinations and designs!! Seriously, there aren't too many creatures who can compete with the graphic design of moths. Truly spectacular!
What an endearing story. I appreciate the tenacity and determination of the female moth. Thanks for directing our attention to the mystery and beauty that surrounds us.
Thanks, Bill. Yeah, it's pretty amazing how readily the females will lay eggs in "captivity." And the actual egg-laying isn't something we see in birds (except chickens). :-)
Ah, as always, just love your pen, or rather, keyboard.
💚💙to you and Ruth.
Alison😻😻🦊🦔
You've made my day! ❤️
Of all the creatures to happen upon this lovely, injured, yet-still-trying moth, it was you — perhaps the only one in the world who would notice, know, and care enough to help her fulfill her biological instinct. Thank you for telling this beautiful story.
Aw, shucks -- thanks, Asha. Perhaps I was the "adult of a parent" moth!
It's through these small windows that, if you stop long enough to look through, can yield the greatest view.
There's that John Muir quote, often misquoted, often overused (so I won't quote it), about any one thing hitched to the universe. :-)
That was interesting
Well, you did it again. Struck a chord. Beautiful.
Can't go wrong with Dryocampa!
To notice, witness and share -- many thanks as it enriches all of our lives!
I do love the sharing — it really drives my writing. Thanks, Brenda!
Delight-filled!!!
At the end of your epilog you mention "destination" and "refuge", which reminded me of something I read yesterday: "Perhaps there are no inherently special places, only places made special by the relationships people sustain with them - wilderness or city, mountain or prairie, desert or swamp, forest or farmland. In this sense, all places on earth and identical, waiting only to be known, as Koyukon people know their boreal forest homeland." (The Island Within, Richard Nelson, 1989)
Thank you for sharing your knowing , for your and Odin's keen observation - and, of course, for the spicy moth sex!
Health, z
Oh, that quote strikes the right chord! It really is about relationship and experience. Thanks, Zara. So nice to hear from you!
As Mary Oliver admonishes us to fall down on the grass and pay attention. You, my kindred dog lover and nature looker.
... and I so enjoy falling down on the grass with that pup!
One thing I truly love about your newsletter is how frequently it awakens my urge to go outside and give this beautiful world with its miraculous varieties of life my full attention. And never stop.
You getting snow??????
Did last weekend! Pummelled, though the winds were high and it didn't stick down low. Did on the mountains, though.
Imagine how many stories there are then! Grateful that you are telling some. May we all search out stories.
Nature = infinity! ❤️
‘Wide eyed wonder’.
We usually think of a child in deep fascination when introduced to something new. How simple. It doesn’t matter how old or how young. We can still be full of wonder. We just need to remember to look.
Thank you for the reminder.
( You have the best helper. Good boy! )
Thanks, Lor. I guess that's why I call myself a boy explorer. (Love that pup!)
Enough about sex and nudity Bryan. How about something on gluttony or sloth.
Hmmm. I'll work on it. 😀 There is, of course, Jaimie Wyeth's book depicting gulls acting out the seven deadly sins. https://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/exhibition/jamie-wyeth-seven-deadly-sins/
I spend time each year in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, exploring the forest, rock, and rivers at Lake Superior’s edge.
I often find, however, the calm I take from that place is from time spent pondering moss growing on ancient rock or lichen on a sapling in a misty wetland. .
Thank you for your exquisite writing and insight drawn from a “cubic foot” of forest.
A sacred place of mine as well, mostly around Wawa, Ontario, and Lake Superior Provincial Park -- some of the most breathtaking turf anywhere! (But you already know that!)
That’s a beautiful story of observation, curiosity, and humanity. I like waiting and watching in one place too, which is now aided by my needing knee replacements which is slowing me down a lot!
I got my new right knee in autumn of 2022 -- and I did indeed like my slower pace, before AND after the knee!
Another great piece Bryan! You are quite the sleuth! I went to iNaturalist to look at the moths...HOLY _____ (fill in the blank.) I have never seen so much color in so many combinations and designs!! Seriously, there aren't too many creatures who can compete with the graphic design of moths. Truly spectacular!
The diversity is indeed wonderful and astonishing, and they come to us!
https://chasingnature.substack.com/p/the-moth-and-the-flame